Harambee Stars captain warns of losing future hosting rights due to crowd trouble
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.08.25. | 09:08
Kenya's next match will be against Zambia on Sunday, 17 August, the final group game that will determine Kenya's fate in the tournament.
Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar is wary that Kenya could lose the hosting rights for future matches if the recent crowd trouble continues.
Kenya is currently co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda, the same three nations set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a tournament that has otherwise been successful, especially on the pitch for Kenya, crowd trouble has been a major problem.
Fans without tickets have breached security protocols, broken gates, and forced their way into the stadium. VIP and VVIP sections have also been compromised.
CAF has acted firmly, fining Kenya up to Ksh 12 million as of Tuesday, 12 August, and threatening to take Harambee Stars matches outside the country, a prospect that has prompted the captain to appeal to fans.
“Our dear Kenyan fans, your passion inspires us every day. Let’s remember that how we support also shapes our future as hosts. Storming gates can hurt our chances of bringing such tournaments back home,” read part of Omar's post on his Facebook account.
The Kenya Police FC defender also joined other stakeholders in urging that only fans with valid tickets should attend matches.
“Football is about unity, respect, and bringing nations together, so if you don’t have a ticket, please celebrate with us from home and keep the spirit of the game alive,” he added.
The government, together with security agencies and the FKF, is working to sensitise fans and implement measures to curb crowd trouble, which peaked during Kenya’s match against Morocco.
Kenya's next match will be against Zambia on Sunday, 17 August, the final group game that will determine Kenya's fate in the tournament.
As part of CAF’s sanctions, only 60% (27,000) of Kasarani Stadium’s capacity will be available for ticketing for this highly anticipated clash.
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